International Women's Day – celebrated each year on March 8 every year - is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

This year Women’s Day was celebrated in Riyadh by families via their work of expressive art. The programme was organised by Almas Mumtaz, Madiha Noman and Asma Tariq.

The theme of artwork was floral & the advent of spring. Painting was the main attraction of the event. The women folks joined by their hubbies worked on and completed the paintings showcasing their talent of artwork.

Speaking on the occasion, Almas Mumtaz said that women\s capabilities should not be underrated & underestimated. “A woman is an epitome of beauty, wisdom and care. She has climbed the mountains and dived into the ocean. She has matched the steps with every man in the world, “Almas remarked. She also added that International Women's Day celebrates the power of women, their rights and role in our lives and society. “

There were women among the wives and companions of our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who serve as role models for us. May we know them, may we be them, and may we raise them,”Asma Tariq mentioned. She also added that The International Women’s Day reminds that it was very important and a matter of honour to be a woman.
She also added that it was a duty of every parent to teach their boys that they have come to this world because of a woman, and as such, they should always respect them.
“Parents should also instil in them the teachings of our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who bestowed upon the women the honour, and respect that they deserved, “Asma mentioned.

Madiha Malik said that a woman was no inferior to a man. “A woman has the capacity and capability to accomplish everything that any man can achieve, “Madiha Malik said. She also added that the colours of life in this world were only because of the women folks. “As such she should be accepted & respected, “Madiha Malik added.

Madiha Noman opinionated that a woman was an important part of any society and her capability should not be underestimated. “Women are the real architects of any society and the stability & harmony in any society is because of a woman, “Madiha Noman added.

Shumaila Malik also highlighted the positive role of women in every walk of life. “In my opinion everyday should be celebrated as woman’s day, Shumaila remarked. She also added that Saudi women were making strides of progress & achievements in every field and she was very impressed at this

Dr. Naghma said that a woman was a human like men. “She is equally better, wiser, stronger, intelligent, creative, and responsible than any man, Naghma expressed. She also added that it was not prudent to celebrate women for a day only. All days should be woman’s day because her gifts are not to be ceased, Naghma added.

Ammara Fazil mentioned that a woman was a great creation of God. “She was a full circle meaning that within her was the power to create, nurture, transform – and bring the colours of life and make a house a home full of life, “Ammara added.

The men folks – hubbies of the lady participants - who also joined included: Dr.Noman, Sheraz, Dr. Rehan, Fayyaz Malik, Waqar and Haroon Tayyab. All of them also tried their hands on painting & artwork to mark the occasion of International Women’s Day.

Speaking on this occasion, all men expressed their full support & solidarity for and with the women in their life. They thoroughly enjoyed the event and loved the way the women had organised it as there was something for everyone. The men folks accepted & acknowledged that women indeed bring positivity to surroundings and play an important & vital role in our society.

Ms. Almas Mumtaz is a freelance writer and PRO of Ladies Chapter of Pakistan Writers Club-Riyadh